Aastra Technologies Limited

Aastra Corporation

Grigor K Kotzev

Francis N Shen

Anthony P Shen

Gerrard B Schmid

Eric C Edwards

An extension-in-use exclusion apparatus is for use in a telephone system. The system has a telephone device, a telephone line, and two telephone extensions connected to the line. The apparatus is connected between one extension and the telephone device. The apparatus has an exclusion controller connecting the line to the telephone device when all extensions other than the extension for the telephone device are on-hook and the telephone device extension is off-hook. The exclusion controller does not connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. A user operable switch can instruct the exclusion controller to connect the line to the telephone device when another extension is off-hook and the telephone device is off-hook. The apparatus automatically returns to exclusion mode when the telephone device returns to off-hook. A by-pass allows FSK signals to pass directly through to the telephone device. The apparatus has no polarity and is symmetrical.

Extension-in-use exclusion apparatus

An audio caller identification unit is connected between a user's telephone and a telephone exchange providing calling party identification, such as calling number or name. The unit has user accessible audio inputs, either a microphone or an interface to a handset of the telephone. The unit also has audio message memory, a user programmable table of concordance for tacking the location of audio messages, a record/playback device, a speaker, and a controller. The unit may also have a visual display. Control keys may be connected to the controller, however their function may also be performed by using a keypad of the telephone. A speech generator may also be connected to the controller and to the speaker. In operation, the unit has programming, review, and monitoring modes. In the monitoring mode, the unit recognizes the number of a calling party (decoded from calling number delivery, call display, or similar network-to-terminal signals on phone lines) by reviewing the table of concordance, finds the appropriate message for that number and plays aloud the message stored for that calling party's number either through the speaker or the handset. The unit also stores information about the call for later recovery, possible from a remote location. In programming mode, the control keys are used to prepare the unit to receive audio messages from the microphone or handset. The unit stores the messages and programs the table of concordance.

Growing community of inventors

Toronto, Canada

Grigor K Kotzev